( Listen on Apple Podcasts) One of the most common concerns I hear from parents and high school students preparing for college is this: “What if I pick the wrong major?” If you’ve had that conversation at your kitchen table, you’re not alone. In Chapter 10 of my book, Your Next Big Step: The Complete Manual for Christian Parents and Students Preparing for College, I walk families through the reality of declaring and sometimes changing a college major — and why that process

(Listen on Apple Podcasts) Navigating the world of post–high school education can feel overwhelming. With so many options, how do you know which path is right for your student? That’s exactly what I address in Chapter 8 of my book, Your Next Big Step: The Complete Manual for Christian Parents and Students Preparing for College — helping families classify and understand school types so decisions are informed, intentional, and aligned with God’s plan. Academic Recognition Matt

(Listen on Apple Podcasts) If you’re a parent of a high school student preparing for college, one of the biggest questions you’re probably asking is this: How are we going to pay for college? Whether your student is considering a university or a technical school , the cost of higher education is a real concern for many families. The good news is that paying for college usually doesn’t come from just one place — it comes from a well-thought-out combination of resources . This

(Listen on Apple Podcasts) If you’re a parent of a high school student thinking about college preparation, there’s one strategy that many families overlook — but it can make a big difference both academically and financially. Working ahead. Specifically, earning college credit while still in high school . This is exactly what I discuss in Chapter 6 of my book, Your Next Big Step: The Complete Manual for Christian Parents and Students Preparing for College. When students appro

( Listen on Apple Podcasts ) If you’re a parent of a high school student preparing for college, you’ve probably heard a lot about volunteer hours and how they impact college applications. But many families misunderstand what really matters when it comes to service. It’s not just about the number of hours. It’s about who your student is becoming in the process . That’s exactly what I talk about in Chapter 5 of my book, Your Next Big Step: The Complete Manual for Christian Par

( Listen on Apple Podcasts ) If you’re a parent of a high school student preparing for college, there’s one topic that tends to bring stress into the conversation pretty quickly: Standardized testing. Tests like the SAT or ACT can feel overwhelming for students, and many families aren’t quite sure how early to start preparing or how strategic they should be. That’s exactly why I address this topic in Chapter 4 of my book, Your Next Big Step: The Complete Manual for Christian

(Listen on Apple Podcasts) If you’re a parent of a high school student preparing for college, there’s something that can dramatically impact your child’s academic and career journey — and many families overlook it. Mentorship. Not just advice here and there, but intentional guidance from someone who has walked ahead of them. This is exactly what I discuss in Chapter 3 of my book, Your Next Big Step: The Complete Manual for Christian Parents and Students Preparing for College.

( Listen on Apple Podcasts) As a parent of a high school student, you want the best for your child — especially as they start thinking about college, majors, and future careers. But here’s a truth many families overlook: the best career decisions start long before a college campus tour . That’s exactly what we cover in Chapter 2 of my book, Your Next Big Step: The Complete Manual for Christian Parents and Students Preparing for College. In this chapter, we talk about career a

As a Christian parent of a high schooler, preparing your teen for college can feel overwhelming. Graduation brings excitement, independence, and tough decisions. In Your Next Big Step, we highlight the biblical principle of honor — teaching students to value and respect their parents. Honor builds wisdom, strengthens faith, and lays a foundation for success in college and beyond. Learn practical ways to guide your teen during this critical season.

Help your teen finish high school strong during senior year. Learn how parents can guide students to maintain strong academics, spiritual discipline, and character before college while avoiding “senior slump.” Discover practical ways to reinforce priorities like faith, friendships, purity, and responsibility so your student launches into college prepared to honor God and succeed.

WWW.YOURNEXTBIGSTEP.ORG Jumping into majors because they're easy, popular, or pay well is a disaster waiting to happen for students. Research schools AFTER you discover how God uniquely made you. MBTI®, Strong Interest Inventory's Holland Code®, and CareerExplorer.com all offer career aptitude assessments that highlight your strengths, interests, and ideal work environments. They won't tell the future — but can offer insight into who you are today. Are you analytical and enj

WWW.YOURNEXTBIGSTEP.ORG I don’t think I’m alone when I say that every once in a while, my wife and I find ourselves silently contemplating the same question, “Am I losing my teenager?” They are thinking for themselves. They are making adult decisions. They are preparing to leave the nest. Don’t despair. Your influence isn’t ending, it’s changing. “As you guide a child, so he will be; when he grows up, he will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) The groundwork you have laid spi